The Nova Scotia Government passed the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), which establishes a common and consistent regulatory framework for all health professions in Nova Scotia. All health profession regulators are planned to transition to the RHPA by summer 2026.

The Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia (MRCNS) and NSCN have been instructed by the Department of Health and Wellness to combine/amalgamate into a single regulator when they transition to the RHPA in mid 2026. The single regulator will be responsible for the regulation of both professions of midwifery and nursing – a multi-profession regulator.

Work is underway and key milestones to date include:

  • Regular meetings of the amalgamation Steering Committee, comprised of Senior Leadership and staff of each regulator
  • Strategic alignment discussion with the Department of Health and Wellness
  • Joint staff workshop focused on priority setting and project planning
  • Engagement of third-party legal experts to support the amalgamation process
  • A joint board meeting to initiate the development of a multi-profession governance framework

Together, MRCNS and NSCN bring a collective 130 years of regulatory experience in Nova Scotia. As we work towards becoming a single regulator, we look forward to ongoing collaboration with our partners and interested parties to ensure we continue to benefit Nova Scotians and the health system. 

Our approach to creating a multi-profession regulator is founded on the principle that midwifery and nursing are unique self-identifying professions with distinct scopes of practice, entry to practice requirements, knowledge, skills and abilities. This is an amalgamation of regulatory bodies, and not a merger of professions. 

Related News

Question and Answer 

The migration to the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) is planned for June 2026, as set by the Nova Scotia Government. At the same time, Government has directed the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) and the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia (MRCNS) to amalgamate creating one multi-profession regulator in Nova Scotia.

At this time, no changes will be made to renewal dates in 2026.

No, this is an amalgamation of regulatory bodies, and not a merger of professions. Our approach to creating a multi-profession regulator is founded on the principle that midwifery and nursing are unique self-identifying professions with distinct scopes of practice, entry to practice requirements, knowledge, skills and abilities.

The new regulator is required to have statutory committees, like the Complaints Committee. Each committee pool will be composed of members of both professions. Panels will consist of at least one registrant from the same profession and public representatives when making decisions about profession or designation-specific matters. 

The MRCNS Council and NSCN Board are working together to develop a process to form the initial board for the new regulator from members of the existing Council and Board. 

There will be no job loss related to the amalgamation. 

Yes, the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and the College of Registered Nurses and Midwives of Prince Edward Island (CRNMPEI). Once amalgamated, Nova Scotia will be the third province with a multi-profession regulator for midwives and nurses.

We will continue to share updates on our websites, in newsletters and on social media. In the meantime, you can learn more about midwives and MRCNS by visiting the MRCNS website. You can learn more about NSCN by visiting the NSCN website. Once migrated under the RHPA and fully amalgamated, the new regulator will be engaging in consultation with the public, registrants, and others in regulatory matters such as bylaws changes.